Combination of Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) and Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM)

自动化处理技术，如自动纤维铺设(AFP)或自动铺带(ATL)，如今是众所周知的。这些程序仍有很大潜力取得更好的结果。在提出的研究中，解决了自动纤维铺放存在的问题，并提出了解决问题的方案。预浸料之间的间隙通常是在铺设纤维复合材料时产生的。这在复杂和双曲面上尤其明显。美国航空航天学会(AIAA)的一项研究表明，0.76毫米的间隙可以使层压板的压缩强度降低27%。为了弥补这种生产方法不可避免的弱点，还铺设了额外的纤维复合层，以提高部件的力学性能。这意味着零部件将更重，生产成本也更高。在这项拟议的研究中，将一台带有无限纤维增强热塑性塑料的3D打印机集成到移动热塑性AFP头中。在模具上放置预浸料后，传感器配置文件会检测到缝隙。这些缺口是在3D打印机的帮助下用连续纤维增强塑料填补的。这两种方法相结合，可以生产出更均匀的成分。随后，由于避免了附加层，组件的制造速度更快、成本更低、甚至更轻。

Automated processing techniques such as Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) or Automated Tape Laying (ATL) are well known nowadays. There is still much potential in these procedures to achieve better results. In the proposed research, the problem with the Automated Fiber Placement is addressed and then presented the solution to the problem. The gaps between the prepreg are often created when the fiber composite materials are laid down. These are particularly apparent on complex and double-curved surfaces. A study by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has shown that a gap of 0.76 mm can reduce the compressive strength of the laminate up to 27%. In order to cover the unavoidable weak point of this production method, additional fiber composite layers are laid in order to increase the mechanical properties of components. This means the components will be heavier and more expensive to produce. In the proposed research, a 3D printer with an endless fiber-reinforced thermoplastic is integrated into a mobile thermoplastic AFP head. After placement the Prepreg on the mold, the gaps are detected by a sensor profile. The gaps are filled in with the aid of a 3D printer with continuous-fiber reinforced plastics. In combination of the two methods, the components can be produced more homogeneously. Subsequently the components are produced faster, cheaper and even lighter because of the avoidance of the additional layer.